In a change at the pinnacle of the "Madden" ratings system — the highly coveted-but-rare 99 Overall — Aaron Donald is in, and J.J. Watt is out for "Madden NFL 18."
The two have swapped places. Donald is one of just three players in the league to be given 99 Overall, while Watt drops to 98 Overall, sharing that designation with four others.
Donald's ratings include 96 in Power Moves, which is tied for first in the attribute with Watt, who also features 97 Strength, 90 Finesse Moves and even 78 in Catching given his occasional utilization at tight end.
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Khalil Mack and Brandon Graham are the next highest-rated players on the defensive line. Mack, who can also play at a high level at linebacker, has 95 Power Moves and 93 Block Shedding. The strongest player in the game is Ndamukong Suh with a 98 in the category.
Madden 18 player ratings: defensive Tackle
Aaron Donald, Rams: 99 Overall
Ndamukong Suh, Dolphins: 93 Overall
Geno Atkins, Bengals: 91 Overall
Fletcher Cox, Eagles: 91 Overall
Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers: 90 Overall
Damon Harrison, Giants: 89 Overall
Kawann Short, Panthers: 88 Overall
Linval Joseph, Vikings: 86 Overall
Leonard Williams, Jets: 85 Overall
Marcell Dareus, Bills: 85 Overall
Madden 18 player ratings: defensive End
J.J. Watt, Texans: 98 Overall
Khalil Mack, Raiders: 97 Overall
Brandon Graham, Eagles: 95 Overall
Cameron Jordan, Saints: 92 Overall
Calais Campbell, Jaguars: 91 Overall
Michael Bennett, Seahawks: 90 Overall
Cameron Wake, Dolphins: 89 Overall
Joey Bosa, Chargers: 88 Overall
Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants: 88 Overall
Olivier Vernon, Giants: 88 Overall
Mike Daniels, Packers: 87 Overall
Jadeveon Clowney, Texans: 86 Overall
Jurrell Casey, Titans: 86 Overall
Carlos Dunlap, Bengals: 86 Overall
Cliff Avril, Seahawks: 86 Overall
Everson Griffen, Vikings: 86 Overall
Though they don't have anyone 90-plus Overall, the Giants will have a formidable defensive line as the only team to feature three players off the lists. The Texans, Dolphins, Bengals, Eagles, Vikings and Seahawks each have two.
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EA Sports recently released the first gameplay trailer for "Madden NFL 18," which includes a quick look at new features like Target Passing, Play Styles, and WR/DB Interactions.
"Madden NFL 18" also introduces the series' first ever story mode, featuring actors that include Mahershala Ali and Scott Porter, plus appearances from licensed colleges Texas and Oregon.
The game will release Aug. 22 for those who buy the $80 "G.O.A.T" edition, and Aug. 25 for the standard edition. Those with an EA Access subscription on Xbox One will be able to start playing a 10-hour trial of the game Aug. 17.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter@Pastapadre.